Apollo Adlux Hospital in Angamaly is one of Kerala's premier centres for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, offering advanced diagnostics, USG-guided joint procedures, immunology laboratory services, and multidisciplinary care for all rheumatic and autoimmune conditions. Centrally located and accessible from Ernakulam, Thrissur, Aluva, and Kottayam, it brings tertiary-level rheumatology expertise closer to patients across Central Kerala.

The specialist rheumatologists at Apollo Adlux Hospital's Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology have expertise in early and established rheumatoid arthritis, including treatment with conventional DMARDs, biologic agents (TNF inhibitors, IL-6 blockers), and JAK inhibitors. Early diagnosis and aggressive management are central to our approach in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life.

Yes. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune condition that can affect multiple organs. At Apollo Adlux Hospital, our rheumatologists provide comprehensive lupus management — including hydroxychloroquine, immunosuppressive therapy, renal biopsy for lupus nephritis, and close coordination with nephrology and dermatology — to help patients achieve remission and prevent organ damage.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. It causes progressive stiffness and pain that is typically worst in the morning. At Apollo Adlux, we diagnose AS using clinical assessment and MRI of the sacroiliac joints, and manage it with NSAIDs, physiotherapy, and biologic therapies (anti-TNF, IL-17 inhibitors) for patients with active disease — significantly reducing inflammation and improving mobility.

A rheumatologist specialises in diseases affecting the joints, muscles, bones, and immune system. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, myositis, vasculitis, antiphospholipid syndrome, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis, among others. Rheumatologists also manage complex autoimmune conditions with systemic involvement.

You should see a rheumatologist if you experience persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness (especially in the morning), unexplained muscle weakness or pain, skin rashes with joint involvement, recurring fevers with joint symptoms, or if your blood tests show positive ANA, Rheumatoid Factor, or anti-CCP antibodies. Early referral significantly improves outcomes in most rheumatic diseases.

An ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test detects antibodies directed against components of the cell nucleus. It is a key screening test for autoimmune conditions such as lupus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, and mixed connective tissue disease. At Apollo Adlux, ANA testing is performed using both ELISA and Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) techniques, with detailed ANA profiling through immunoblot assays for precise diagnosis.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in joints, most commonly the big toe, ankle, and knee. It causes sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness. At Apollo Adlux, diagnosis is confirmed by polarised light microscopy for crystal identification, and treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications during acute attacks and long-term urate-lowering therapy (allopurinol, febuxostat) to prevent recurrence.

Yes. Biologic therapies — including TNF inhibitors, IL-6 receptor antagonists, JAK inhibitors, and B-cell depleting agents — are available at Apollo Adlux Hospital for eligible patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and vasculitis. Our rheumatologists carefully assess each patient's suitability and provide close monitoring during biologic treatment.

Apollo Adlux Hospital is located on NH-544 in Angamaly, approximately 25 km from the centre of Kochi (Ernakulam) and just 3 km from Cochin International Airport. It is accessible from Ernakulam, Aluva, Thrissur, Kottayam, Chalakudy, and Perumbavoor, making it one of the most conveniently located speciality hospitals in Central Kerala.

Vasculitis is a group of rare autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation of blood vessels, potentially affecting multiple organs. Types include ANCA-associated vasculitis (GPA, MPA), large-vessel vasculitis (Takayasu's arteritis, Giant Cell Arteritis), and Behçet's disease. Apollo Adlux's rheumatology team is skilled in diagnosing vasculitis through ANCA assays, biopsy, and advanced imaging including MR angiography of the aorta, and managing these conditions with immunosuppressive therapy.

Yes. Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease causing dry eyes, dry mouth, and systemic features. Apollo Adlux's rheumatology department offers the complete diagnostic workup — including Schirmer's test for tear production, minor salivary gland biopsy, and ANA/anti-Ro/La antibody testing — along with comprehensive management of both primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome.